President Donald Trump underwent his annual physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center recently, marking his first such exam of his second term. Despite his age of 78, the oldest president to be sworn into office, Trump expressed on Truth Social that he was feeling great, emphasizing the importance of these routine check-ups. The public has been eagerly awaiting a glimpse into Trump’s health since 2018, with no detailed updates during the 2024 presidential campaign, despite promises to do so.
What Trump’s Last Official Checkup Revealed
During his January 2018 evaluation, Trump was deemed to be in “excellent” cardiovascular shape for his age by then-White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson. However, the report highlighted concerns about his high cholesterol levels, rosacea, and BMI, which was on the verge of the obesity classification. Trump’s LDL cholesterol levels were notably high, requiring medication management to address the risk factors. In addition to cholesterol-lowering drugs and other medications for hair loss and skin conditions, Trump also took aspirin daily for heart disease prevention.
The report also detailed that Trump underwent a Montreal Cognitive Assessment, receiving a perfect score of 30/30. This cognitive screening test aimed to evaluate his mental acuity, a critical component of overall health and fitness. While this assessment provided insight into Trump’s cognitive abilities, it did not delve into other aspects of his health, leaving many questions about his overall well-being.
COVID Hospitalization and Post-1st Term Health
In October 2020, Trump’s health was thrust into the spotlight when he contracted COVID-19 and required hospitalization. Reports indicated that he faced breathing difficulties and received experimental treatments to aid his recovery. Following his hospitalization, Trump’s health remained a topic of interest, with limited updates provided by his personal physician, Bruce Aronwald. Aronwald’s evaluations painted a positive picture of Trump’s health, emphasizing weight loss, normal cardiovascular studies, and negative cancer screening tests.
However, a significant event in Trump’s health history was the Butler assassination attempt in July, where he sustained an injury to his right ear during a campaign rally. The incident resulted in the death of a Trump supporter and injuries to several others, leading to heightened scrutiny of Trump’s well-being. Despite the incident, reports from his physician, Ronny Jackson, indicated that Trump’s recovery was progressing as expected, with no major complications reported.
As Trump’s health continues to be a topic of public interest, his periodic check-ups and medical updates serve as a window into his overall well-being. While the details of his health remain closely guarded, glimpses into his physical fitness and cognitive abilities offer insights into his capacity to lead and govern effectively. As the nation awaits further updates on Trump’s health, the importance of transparency and accountability in presidential health assessments remains paramount.
